Cardiovascular fitness is a very important part of a workout regimen, yet it's often overlooked. Cardiovascular training equipment exercises the heart and lungs as well as the muscles of the body. Many people simply focus on weight training, since bulky muscles are an obvious sign of fitness, but neglect the aerobic aspect of fitness.

By installing aerobic training equipment in your gym, you're reminding people that their health matters to you. Take a few things into consideration before you set up the cardio fitness sections of your facility:

1. Dedicate some space to each type of aerobic fitness machine you want to offer your members. Measure carefully so you can figure out the best way to arrange your fitness center.

2. Select the best equipment you can afford. People won't want to keep paying you when they can buy the same machine and exercise at home, so get sturdy commercial aerobic training equipment.

3. Consider hiring a specialized aerobic trainer. Tips are always nice to have when working out, and these professionals can give them to your members.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy the most popular cardiovascular machine: the treadmill

When members use treadmills, they can adjust a few different things to get the best workout for themselves. All treadmills offer adjustable speed, but look for a model that also has adjustable incline, is user-friendly and has safety features.

I recommend: The selection at WorkoutWarehouse.com includes something for every budget. Buy a professional-grade treadmill from Pro-Med Products.

Install a row of stationary bikes, a popular cardiovascular machine

Exercise bicycles come in two types: upright and recumbent. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, but some members may prefer one over the other. It's best to reserve some floor space for each and buy both types.

I recommend: Select from both recumbent and upright bikes at USA Fitness Direct. Buy enough of the bikes from Mad Dogg Athletics to host a spinning class, then become an Official Spinning Facility.

Set up an elliptical aerobic training machine section

Every great fitness center should have a section of the floor dedicated to elliptical machines. These are mostly used by women since they are great for the thighs and glutes, the areas women are most concerned with toning.

I recommend: Buy a commercial elliptical machine from Advantage Fitness Products. The models at Smooth Fitness offer all the bells and whistles.

Provide your clients with the ultimate cardio trainer machine: the rower

The rowing machine is probably one of the most intensive training machines out there: it works the upper body and lower body as well as gives a great cardio workout. There are a few different types of these, including magnetic resistance and air resistance, so decide which one best fits your needs before buying.

I recommend: Get free shipping on the rowers at Mercantila. Choose from the commercial rowers at Super Gym's Fitness Warehouse.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Your trainers should offer cardiovascular tips to your members. If they're doing a personal training session, they should use their knowledge to help your members train more efficiently and use proper form.